Baker :: One Month Old

O N E  M O N T H

Say what!? So hard to believe but our little man has been with us for one month already. It feels like it's been days. Not an entire month. In true mom fashion, I can't remember life before this boy joined our family. We're all smitten although obsessed might be a better word.

blanket // monthly sticker

I love putting these little monthly snapshots together so I have them to look back on - and then cry when I realized the babies have grown up entirely too fast. I started way back with Gracyn and filling out a little chalkboard every month and continued it with Leighton. I'd probably prefer to do Baker's monthly roundups electronically or via an app on my phone for the sake of time but I figured I ought to do the old chalkboard for him, too.

Baker is eating every 3 hours or so around the clock. He'll mostly breastfeed and it took a good 3 weeks or so for him to really get the hang of it. I'm so proud to say it seems like it's finally clicked for him! He'll nurse anywhere from 10-20 minutes and I can get him to take both sides at most feedings which is huge. This allows me to make it through most days without having to pump which is helpful especially when I'm home alone with the kids.

I usually pump right before going to sleep and first thing in the morning and we normally give him a bottle of formula during the middle of the night. His doctors wanted us to supplement with a bottle of high-calorie formula twice a day per so we're continuing with that until he beefs up a bit. He does seem to prefer mama's milk so I'm thinking eventually we'll be able to move to breastmilk full time. He has his one-month well visit this week but as of last Friday he was 6 lbs 13 oz.

He's still in the sleepy newborn stage but we are getting more and more time with him awake. He has started waking himself up during the night to eat (versus us setting an alarm and having to wake him up..) and is up every 2.5 to 3 hours. Most nights he'll go right back down after eating and other nights he seems a little restless. I think he has a touch of reflux and/or gas that bothers him and it seems a little more noticeable at night. It makes for a sleepy mama but I'd get up with him 47 times if that's what he needed. We do live with a Leighton so it's not like we were sleeping anyway! ;)

Baker loves his sisters and the feeling is mutual. Just last night they were fighting over who got to hold him before bed.  Both girls are very sweet towards him; Leighton can be a tad rough but means well. We think, anyway. We've seen her "punch" his head one time but she claimed she was giving him a high-five. She also tried to force-feed him a waffle the other morning because he looked hungry  so I truly think she's just looking out of him... ha!

behind every {amateur} photographer is an even better assistant...

He grunts and snorts and makes all sorts of noises. He'll tolerate tummy time which is important so he can build up those neck muscles! As he grows, we'll work with his therapists to incorporate more physical and occupational therapies but for now, more tummy time or him laying on our chest and trying to lift his head is our goal.

Baker's had quite the month when it comes to doctor appointments and checkups. It seems like he's had more heel pricks, lab draws, EKGs, echocardiograms and temperature checks than most will ever experience and he's taken each one like a champ. As his mom, it's hard to watch nurses stick his teeny tiny arm trying to find a vein but Baker the Brave surprisingly doesn't seem to mind. He's more upset when it comes time to change a diaper. Already preparing me for his future... mom stresses, Baker proves to be a freaking warrior like no big deal...

The different appointments and specialists can be overwhelming at times but I'm so grateful to have a team in place for him. Baker is thriving and even though he has a heart defect, he is HEALTHY. His cardiologist is monitoring him closely and Baker continues to do extremely well here at home. He does not require any type of medication or assistance at this time which is huge! We know this can change, especially if they start seeing stress on his heart leading up to surgery and medication becomes necessary, but we're so thankful he doesn't have a need for it yet.

Oh, Mr. Baker. You are loved beyond measure, sweet boy. Your sisters are your biggest fans and will be your fiercest protectors. Daddy would move mountains for you. I would keep you snuggled in close and kiss your cheeks all day long for the rest of your life if I could. You fit into our family perfectly and I cannot wait to watch your grow and take the world by storm.

We love you so much.

P.S. Sorry about the smothering...

;)